Non-handed window lock actuator

ABSTRACT

A non-handed actuator for window locks, including a base securable to the window frame, a handle secured to the base for pivoting about a first axis through an angle of approximately X degrees, an oppositely extending drive link secured for pivoting with the handle, and a connecting link securable to the lock control member of a window lock. The connecting link is pivotable relative to the drive link and includes a spacing member and a connecting member. The connecting member is securable to the lock control member and pivotable relative to the spacing member between limit positions approximately 180 degrees apart. Tabs on the spacing member abut the connecting member when the connecting member is at either of the limit positions, with the connecting link being pivotable relative to the drive link through an angle of approximately 2X degrees, where X is between 140 and 180.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention is directed toward window locks, and moreparticularly toward manually operable actuators for window locks.

2. Backgroung Art

Window locks are known in the art generally having a catch with a handleactuator affixed to a window frame which interacts with a keeper on acorresponding section of a movable window sash to securely hold the sashtightly against the frame. Also known in the art are devices forsequential multi-point lock-up of the movable window sash with thewindow frame.

These latter devices are locks which have a handle actuator interactingwith a keeper at one point on a window frame and sash respectively whichcauses a second lock to engage a keeper at a distant location.

Commonly owned Nolte et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,886 and Tucker U.S. Pat.No. 5,118,145, hereby fully incorporated by reference, disclose suchmulti-point locks for a window sash. These devices use a tie barconnecting two spaced apart cam members or rollers which can interactwith keepers affixed to a window sash to establish a locked condition ofthe window. The movement of a handle actuator from its unlocked positioncauses the adjacent roller on the tie bar to connect with a planarportion of an associated ramped keeper. Continued movement of the handleactuator causes the tie bar to also move the second roller onto theplanar section of the second associated ramped keeper.

Because locks such as the above are used in many different windowshaving window frames and window sashes with a variety of dimensions andconfigurations, the spacing of the handle actuator from the tie bar axiscan vary between installations. This can result in such locks eitherbeing usable with only one style window, or alternatively canundesirably require that different locks be manufactured for eachdifferent possible window. The later alternative not only significantlyincreases manufacturing costs, but it also requires builders to maintainundesirably large inventories of such locks. Further, such largeinventories of different locks can result in serious and costlyconstruction delays if the wrong locks are delivered to a particularinstallation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,145 discloses a structure which allows for a singlehandle actuator to be used with a variety of different spacings from thebar axis. However, while that structure can be used with a variety ofdifferent installations to reduce inventory requirements andconstruction delays, it still requires that different handle actuatorsbe provided for right and left hand installations. That is, typically itis desired that the handle be pivoted down to lock and up to unlock. Itis further typically desired that the handle portion be on the side ofthe actuator housing which is adjacent the window opening (i.e., awayfrom the frame). Such configurations ensure that the handle actuator isconventionally operable, and further is clear from inwardly projectingsections of the window frame which might interfere with the ability of aperson operating the handle actuator to properly grasp the handlewithout scratching their knuckles. Therefore, while the inventiondisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,145 allows for a significant reductionin inventory requirements and construction delays, it does still requirethat at least two such handle actuators be available, one for right handinstallations and one for left hand installations.

The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of theproblems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a non-handed actuator for windowlocks is provided, including a base securable to the window frame, ahandle secured to the base for pivoting about a first axis through anangle of approximately X degrees, an oppositely extending drive linksecured for pivoting with the handle, and a connecting link securable tothe lock control member of a window lock. The connecting link ispivotable relative to the drive link and includes a spacing member and aconnecting member. The connecting member is securable to the lockcontrol member and pivotable relative to the spacing member betweenlimit positions approximately 180 degrees apart.

In a preferred form of this aspect of the present invention, a first tabis provided on one of the spacing member and connecting member and asecond tab is provided on one of the spacing member and connectingmember, with the first tab abutting one side of the other of the spacingmember and the connecting member when the connecting member is at one ofthe limit positions and the second tab abutting the other side of theother of the spacing member and connecting member when the connectingmember is at the other of the limit positions.

In another preferred form, the spacing member substantially lies in afirst plane, the connecting member includes a portion lying in a secondplane substantially parallel to and spaced from the first plane, and thetabs lie in both the first plane and the second plane.

In another aspect of the present invention, a non-handed actuator isprovided including a handle secured to the base for pivoting through anangle of approximately X degrees, an oppositely extending drive linksecured for pivoting with the handle, a connecting link securable to thelock control member of a window lock and pivotable relative to the drivelink, and stops limiting the relative pivoting of the connecting linkrelative to the drive link to an angle of approximately 2X degrees.

In a preferred form of this aspect of the present invention, theconnecting link comprises a first connecting link member pivotallyconnected to the drive link and the second connecting link memberpivotally connected to the first connecting link member. The stopscomprise tabs on opposite sides of the first connecting link memberlimiting pivoting of the drive link relative to the first connectinglink member and of the first connecting link member relative to thesecond connecting link member by abutting the drive link at each limitof relative pivoting of the drive link to the first connecting linkmember and abutting the second connecting link member at each limit ofrelative pivoting of the first connecting link member to the secondconnecting link member.

In another preferred form, the stops limit relative pivoting of thelinks whereby the second connecting link may pivot up to about 360degrees relative to the drive link. In a highly preferred form, X isbetween 140 and 180.

In another aspect of the present invention, a non-handed actuator isprovided including a base, handle and drive link, and further includinga first connecting link secured to the drive link for pivoting about asecond axis spaced from the first axis, a second connecting link securedto the first connecting link for pivoting about a third axis spaced fromthe second axis and securable to the lock control member of a windowlock, and stops limiting the pivoting of the drive link relative to thefirst connecting link and of the first connecting link relative to thesecond connecting link.

In a preferred form of this aspect of the present invention, the stopscomprise tabs on opposite sides of the first connecting link, at leastone tab abutting the drive link at each limit of relative pivoting ofthe drive link to the first connecting link and at least one tababutting the second connecting link at each limit of relative pivotingof the first connecting link to the second connecting link.

In another preferred form, the first connecting link substantially liesin a first plane normal to the second and third axes and the secondconnecting link and drive link each include portions lying in a secondplane substantially parallel to and spaced from the first plane, and thestops comprise tabs on the first connecting link extending from thefirst plane to the second plane.

In another preferred form, the drive link and first and secondconnecting links extend longitudinally in a generally radial directionrelative to the pivot axes with a transverse width, one of the stopsbeing longitudinally spaced from the second axis generally one half ofthe drive link transverse width and/or are longitudinally spaced fromthe third axis generally one half of the second connecting linktransverse width.

In still another preferred form, the stops limit relative pivoting ofthe links whereby the second connecting link may pivot up to about 360degrees relative to the drive link. In still further preferred forms,the stops limit relative pivoting of the links whereby the secondconnecting link may pivot between opposite limit positions which aregenerally parallel to the drive link. In yet further preferred forms,the stops limit pivoting of the second connecting link relative to thedrive link to an angle of 2X degrees, where X is between 140 and 180and, in a highly preferred form, the handle is pivotable through anangle of approximately X degrees relative to the base.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a non-handed actuatorfor window locks is provided including a housing securable to the windowframe with an interior side facing toward the window frame, a handlesecured to the housing for pivoting about a first axis, an oppositelyextending, generally flat drive link secured for pivoting with thehandle generally on the housing interior side, a generally flat firstconnecting link secured to the drive link for pivoting about a secondaxis spaced from the first axis, and a generally flat second connectinglink secured to the first connecting link for pivoting about a thirdaxis spaced from the second axis and securable to the actuating memberof a window lock. First stop tabs extend axially from the firstconnecting link and engage the drive link at a selected limit ofpivoting of the drive link relative to the first connecting link. Secondstop tabs extend axially from the first connecting link and engage thesecond connecting link at a selected limit of pivoting of the secondconnecting link relative to the first connecting link.

In a preferred form of this aspect of the present invention, the firstand second stop tabs are unitary tabs formed from flanges on oppositesides of the first connecting link and bent at generally right angles tothe flat first connecting link.

In another preferred form, the first connecting link substantially liesin a first plane normal to the second and third axes and the secondconnecting link and drive link each include portions lying in a secondplane substantially parallel to and spaced from the first plane, and thestops comprise tabs on the first connecting link extending from thefirst plane to the second plane.

In still another preferred form, the drive link and first and secondconnecting links extend longitudinally in a generally radial directionrelative to the pivot axes with a transverse width. One of the stops islongitudinally spaced from the second axis generally one half of thedrive link transverse width and/or another of the stops islongitudinally spaced from the third axis generally one half of thesecond connecting link transverse width.

It is an object of the invention to provide a multi-point lockingstructure which provides secure and reliable operation without binding.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a locking structurewhich may be used in both left and right hand configurations in manydifferent windows having window frames and window sashes with a varietyof dimensions and configurations without requiring that different partsbe manufactured, inventoried, and delivered to such different windowdesigns. Related objects of the present invention are, therefore, toprovide a multi-point locking structure which can be inexpensivelymanufactured, and which can be easily and inexpensively inventories andhandled by the lock installers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a window shown in openposition ancwhich has the window lock structure of FIGS. 2-4 associatedtherewith;

FIG. 2 is a side, partial view of the operational components of amulti-point window lock embodying the present invention, said lock beingshown in the released, unlocked position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handle actuator and housing of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle actuator of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The window lock is shown in association with a window in FIG. 1 and withthe only room-visible part thereof being a housing or base 10 and thehandle 12 embodying the actuator of the present invention.

The window has a window frame, indicated generally at 14, in which thewindow sash, generally indicated at 16, of a casement window ispivotally mounted. The mounting of such a window by hinges is well knownin the art as well as use of a window operator, indicated generally at18, for moving the window sash between closed and fully open positionsor any desired position therebetween.

As will be readily recognized, the window lock can also be used for anawning-type window wherein the pivotal movement of the window sash wouldbe generally about a horizontal axis, rather than the vertical axis ofthe casement window. The concepts embodied in the window lock could beutilized with other types of movable windows as well, such as a doublehung window.

In the locking structure 22 shown in FIG. 2 (and as in the prior artsuch as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,991,886 and 5,118,145), one or morecam members, such as rollers 26, 28, are secured to a tie bar 32 whichis itself suitably secured to the frame 14 by guides 34 which guide thetie bar or lock control member 32 in lengthwise movement along its axis.

The housing 10 rotatably mounts the handle 12 for movement betweengenerally two positions. One of these positions is the window lockedposition (shown in phantom in FIG. 2), wherein the handle 12 extendsdownwardly. Counterclockwise pivoting (from the FIG. 2 perspective) ofthe handle 12 moves the locking structure 22 to its other position,which is the window unlocked (or released) position. In a preferredembodiment, the handle 12 is substantially vertically oriented in thewindow locked position with the handle 12 being pivotable between about140 and 180 degrees between the limits of travel from one position tothe other. As described in greater detail hereafter, pivoting of thehandle 12 controls operation of the locking structure 22 by controllingthe vertical position of the tie bar 32.

Specifically, operation of the locking structure 22 involves coaction ofat least one roller 26 with a ramped keeper 38 which is mounted bysuitable means on the window sash 16 as is known in the art. The rampedkeeper 38 has an inclined ramp section 40 and a generally planar section42. The ramped keeper 38 is shown in FIG. 2 in relation to the roller 26when the window sash 16 is generally closed but, with the roller 26clear of the keeper 38, not locked to the window frame 14.

With clockwise rotation of the handle 12 from the FIG. 2 position, thetie bar 32 is moved up, whereby the roller 26 engages first the inclinedramp section 40 and, camming against the keeper 38 as it continues tomove up, draws the sash 16 tightly against the window frame 14 until itreaches the planar section 42, at which point the roller 26 and keeper38 overlap to securely lock the window sash 16 against the frame 14. Ofcourse, reverse motion of the handle 12 would then successively move theroller 26 over the planar section 42 and ramp section 40 until theroller 26 and keeper 38 are once again in the FIG. 2 position allowingthe sash 16 to be opened.

As shown in the prior art incorporated by reference herein, the secondroller 28 may be mounted to coact with a second ramped keeper 46 toachieve multi-point locking. The second ramped keeper 46 preferably hassubstantially the same construction as the ramped keeper 38 andtherefore coacts with its roller 28 in a similar manner to thatdiscussed above.

Delayed multi-point locking is achieved with the illustrated structure,with lock-up of the second roller 28 and ramped keeper 46 delayedrelative to lock-up of the first roller 26 and ramped keeper 38. Thatis, as shown in the prior art patents incorporated herein by reference,the ramped keepers 38, 46 are spaced a distance apart which is greaterthan the distance between the rollers 26, 28. With this configuration,the first roller 26 engages the ramp section 40 of its keeper 38 first,with continued movement of the tie bar 32 and rollers 26, 28 firstcausing the roller 26 to cooperate with the ramp section 40 its keeper38 to draw the sash 16 closer to the frame 1 4. As movement of the tiebar 32 and rollers 26, 28 continues, eventually the second roller 28reaches the ramp section of its keeper 46 to similarly begin to draw thesash 16 closer to the frame 14 at that point. (The planar section 42 oframped keeper 38 has a length greater than the differences in thedistances to provide a dwell for one roller 26 while the other roller 28is on the ramp section of its associated keeper 46). Once both rollers26 reach the planar section of their respective keepers 38, 46, theycoact with one another to hold the sash 16 locked against the frame 14.

It should be understood that the above described locking structure,which is known in the art, is only one of many with which the actuatorof the present invention could be used. For example, the actuator of thepresent invention could be used with structures having more than twosets of coacting rollers and keepers (as might be desirable, forexample, with large windows), or could be used with structures havingonly a single locking point. Still further, any number of coactingkeepers and cam structures could be used, including structures in whichthe keepers are controlled by the handle 12 and the rollers or camssecured to the sash 16. Still further, the actuator of the presentinvention may be used with a wide variety of different windowconfigurations, including different window frame and window sashconfigurations.

Reference will now specifically be made to a preferred embodiment of theactuator 50 of the present invention.

The handle 12 is pivotally secured to the housing 10 about a first axis52 in any suitable manner. The handle 12 includes a pivot shaft 54extending through a side of the housing 10 to assist in so securing thehandle 12, and on its inner end (on the interior side of the housing 10)is suitably secured to a drive link 58 so that the handle 12 and drivelink 58 will pivot together. As one example, the drive link 58 and pivotshaft 54 could have a spline connection with, for example, a rivet heador lock washer securing the drive link 58 thereon. Still otherconnections securing the handle 12 and drive link 58 for pivotingtogether could also be used within the scope of the present invention,however. If desired, suitable stops (not shown) could be provided tolimit the range of pivoting of the handle 12 relative to the housing 10.

A first connecting link 62 is suitably secured to the opposite end ofthe drive link 58 for relative pivoting about a second axis 64. A secondconnecting link 68 is suitably secured to the opposite end of the firstconnecting link 62 for relative pivoting about a third axis 70. Suchpivotal connections can be provided by, for example, pivot pins 72, 74with suitable heads on the ends of the pins 72, 74 securing therelatively pivotable links together. The first and second connectinglinks 62, 68 may also be referred to as a single connecting link havinga spacing member (first connecting link 62) and a connecting member(second connecting link 68).

The other end of the second connecting link 68 includes a flange 76substantially perpendicular to the second connecting link 68 including anarrow portion 78 with a first width adjacent the longitudinal portionof the link 68 which is pivotable within the circular portion 80 of anopening in the tie bar 32 (see FIG. 2). The flange 76 also includes awide portion 82 with a second width spaced from the longitudinal portionof the link 68. Such a connection (as is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,991,886 and 5,118,145) allows for easy assembly and installation ofthe actuator 50 with the locking structure 22. Specifically, duringassembly, the link 68 may be positioned substantially perpendicular tothe tie bar 32 so that the flange wide portion 82 is aligned with theopening slot portion 84. Once the flange wide portion 82 is then passedthrough the tie bar opening, the link 68 may be pivoted down, with theflange narrow portion being guided within the opening circular portion80 for pivotal motion of the link 68 relative to the tie bar 32. Theflange wide portion 82, being wider than the opening circular portion80, holds the link 86 to the tie bar 32 in operational positions of thelink 86.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the links 58, 62, 68 are, at their pivotalconnections, all substantially flat, with the first connecting link 62lying substantially in one plane and the drive link 58 and secondconnecting link 68 lying substantially in a second, parallel planespaced from the plane of the first connecting link 62. As such, thelinks 58, 62, 68 are freely pivotable relative to one another betweenthe limits provided by the stops having shoulders 88, 90 consisting ofbent flanges on opposite sides of the first connecting link 62, whichstop shoulders 88, 90 extend into the plane of the drive and secondconnecting link 58, 68 to engage the sides of those links 58, 68 at thepivot limits. While the stops 88, 90 illustrated can be easily andadvantageously formed in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, it should be understood, however, that still other stops forlimiting the relative pivoting of the links 58, 62, 68 could also beused within the scope of the present invention. For example, stopstructures could be provided within the pivotal connection of the links,or similar flanges could be provided on the drive link 58 and secondconnecting link 68.

With this structure, stop shoulder 88 will essentially abut the secondconnecting link 68 in a right hand configuration such as shown in FIG.2, thereby essentially forming a rigid L-shaped link such as is requiredin order to transmit the desired axial force to the tie bar 32. In a fewpositions, it will be recognized that the stop shoulders 88 or 90 maynot engage the second connecting link 68, but instead will engage thedrive link 58 to thereby transmit forces through what is essentially arigid L-shaped link formed of the drive link 58 and first connectinglink 62, at least until the handle 12 has pivoted sufficiently toposition the actuator 50 so that the second connecting link 68 haspivoted to its limit relative to the first connecting link 62. In eithercase, however, the pivoting of the handle 12 will efficiently transmitforce through the links 58, 62, 68 to control the longitudinal positionof the connected tie bar 32 as desired for operation of the lockingstructure 22 so long as two of the three links 58, 62, 68 are held attheir limits of relative pivoting to essentially form a rigid L-shapedlink.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stop shoulders 88, 90 arepositioned at what is approximately one half of the transverse width ofthe adjacent drive and second connecting links 58, 68 from the pivotaxes 64, 70. It will be appreciated that this configuration will providefor approximately 180 degrees of relative pivoting (between limitpositions in which the links 58, 62 and 62, 68 are approximately atopposite right angles to one another). The combined relative pivoting ofthe second connecting link 68 about the third axis 70 and the firstconnecting link 62 about the second axis 64 in essence allows forapproximately 360 degrees of relative pivoting between the secondconnecting member 68 and the drive link 58.

Such full relative pivoting allows the actuator 50 to be used in bothright and left hand configurations. That is, converting an actuator 50from one hand to the other essentially requires that the actuator 50 beturned upside down. For example, converting the actuator 50 of FIG. 3 toopposite hand operation would require that the housing 10 be flippedover. Further, such conversion would require that the handle 12 bepivoted relative to the housing 10 to its opposite position (i.e., withits knob end at what is the top of the housing 10 in FIG. 3 but would beat the bottom when flipped over). It should now be appreciated that whenthis conversion is done, the first connecting link 62 will pivot about180 degrees relative to the drive link 58 (to ensure that it continuesto project away from the inner side of the housing 10). Similarly, toprovide a comparable position to that shown in FIG. 3, the secondconnecting link 68 would also pivot approximately 180 degrees relativeto the first connecting link 62. In such an inverted, opposite handposition, the stop shoulder 90 will abut the second connecting link 68at its limit position and the stop shoulder 88 will abut the drive link58, thereby providing identical, but mirror image, operation as isnecessary for opposite hand actuators 50.

In either position, it should be understood that counterclockwisepivoting of the handle 12 (from the position shown in phantom in FIG. 2)causes the drive link 54 to carry the connecting links 62, 68 down withit, where the second connecting link 68 simultaneously pulls down on,and pivots relative to, the tie bar 32 (which is constrained for onlyaxial movement by the tie bar guides 34). Such motion thus pulls therollers 26, 28 off the keepers 38, 46 to unlock the window.

Conversely, in either position, clockwise rotation of the handle 12 (tothe position shown in phantom in FIG. 2) causes the drive link 54 andconnecting links 62, 68 to push the tie bar 32 up so that the rollers26, 28 engage the keepers 38, 46, locking the window sash 16 to thewindow frame 14.

Further, this non-handed structure (with completely identicalcomponents) can be used with different window designs where the spacingfrom the tie bar 32 to the room facing frame surface differssignificantly.

Still further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thespacings between the first and second axes 52, 64 and between the secondand third axes 64, 70 are both approximately 3/4 to 1 inch, with thespacing from the third axis 70 to the flange 76 being about 3 inches. Ithas been found that these dimensions will provide the necessary range ofoperational motion without the second connecting link 68 being pivotedmore than about 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the tie bar 32in virtually all window designs. Such a close alignment of thelongitudinal orientation of the connected tie bar 32 and secondconnecting link 68 ensures substantially all of the force applied by theactuator 50 will be in the desired direction (longitudinally along thetie bar 32) with only minimal side forces.

It should be also be understood that the range of motion provided bystop shoulders 88, 90 could be varied from that described above. Forexample, if the handle 12 is secured to the housing 10 so that its rangeof pivoting is X degrees (less than 180 degrees), then in the mostpreferred embodiment the stop shoulder 88, 90 would be provided so as toallow combined relative pivoting between the three links 58, 62, 68 ofapproximately 2X degrees. As a specific example, if the handle 12 werelimited to a 140 degree range of pivoting, then a preferredconfiguration of the stop shoulder 88, 90 would be such as to limit thedrive link 58 to a 280 degree range of pivoting relative secondconnecting link 68 (for example, by limiting the drive link 58 to a 140degree range of pivoting relative to the first connecting link 62 andlimit the second connecting link 68 to a 140 degree range of pivotingrelative to the first connecting link 62). While this relationship wouldhold true for even smaller ranges of handle pivoting, generally it ispreferred that the handle 12 have a pivot range of 140 degrees or higherto ensure recognizably proper operation by the person pivoting thehandle 12.

It should also be understood that precision in the pivot limits such asdescribed above is not required, and some play could be allowed in theoperation of the actuator 50 by using stop shoulder 88, 90 which do notprovide precisely the relative X:2X pivot limits discussed.

As a result of using this significantly improved structure, thepreviously known multi-point locking structure providing secure andreliable operation can be utilized in many different windows havingwindow frames and window sashes with a variety of dimensions andconfigurations. Further, since different parts are not required fordifferent window designs, widespread use of these locks may beaccomplished with minimum expense and problems. Specifically, the costsand problems which can arise are minimized during (1) manufacture (massproduction of a single set of components is possible), (2) inventorying(many different components usable with every possible window design neednot be separately inventoried by suppliers), (3) delivery (there is norisk of delay as the result of delivering a lock which is not usablewith the particular window design), and (4) installation (the installerneed not worry about different components and/or different installationtechniques being required for different windows).

Still other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present inventioncan be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and theappended claims.

We claim:
 1. A non-handed actuator for window locks of the type in whicha lock control member is moved by said actuator to control the lockingof a window sash to a window frame, said actuator comprising:a basesecurable to the window frame; a handle secured to said base forpivoting about a first axis through an angle of approximately X degrees,said handle generally extending in a first radial direction from saidfirst axis; a connecting link securable to the lock control member of awindow lock, said connecting link having a spacing member with a pivotdefining a pivot axis fixed along its length and a connecting member,said spacing member not being directly connected to said base and saidconnecting member being securable to the lock control member andpivotable relative to said spacing member between limit positionsapproximately 180 degrees apart, a drive link secured for pivoting withsaid handle, said drive link generally extending in a second radialdirection from said first axis, said first and second radial directionsbeing on generally opposite sides of said first axis, said drive linkbeing secured to said spacing member pivot for pivoting about saidspacing member pivot axis for pivotal movement of said spacing memberindependent of said base.
 2. A non-handed actuator for window locks ofthe type in which a lock control member is moved by said actuator tocontrol the locking of a window sash to a window frame, said actuatorcomprising:a base securable to the window frame; a handle secured tosaid base for pivoting about a first axis through an angle ofapproximately X degrees, said handle generally extending in a firstradial direction from said first axis; a drive link secured for pivotingwith said handle, said drive link generally extending in a second radialdirection from said first axis, said first and second radial directionsbeing on generally opposite sides of said first axis; a connecting linksecurable to the lock control member of a window lock and pivotablerelative to said drive link, said connecting link having a spacingmember and a connecting member, said connecting member being securableto the lock control member and pivotable relative to said spacing memberbetween limit positions approximately 180 degrees apart; and a first tabon one of said spacing member and connecting member and a second tab onone of said spacing member and connecting member, said first tababutting one side of the other of said spacing member and saidconnecting member when said connecting member is at one of said limitpositions and said second tab abutting the other side of the other ofsaid spacing member and connecting member when said connecting member isat the other of said limit positions.
 3. The actuator of claim 2,wherein said spacing member substantially lies in a first plane and saidconnecting member includes a portion lying in a second planesubstantially parallel to and spaced from said first plane, and saidtabs lie in both said first plane and said second plane.
 4. A non-handedactuator for window locks of the type in which a lock control member ismoved by said actuator to control the locking of a window sash to awindow frame, said actuator comprising:a base securable to the windowframe; a handle secured to said base for pivoting about a first axisthrough an angle of approximately X degrees, said handle generallyextending in a first radial direction from said first axis; a drive linksecured for pivoting with said handle, said drive link generallyextending in a second radial direction from said first axis, said firstand second radial directions being on generally opposite sides of firstaxis; a connecting link securable to the lock control member of a windowlock and pivotable relative to said drink link, said connecting link notbeing directly connected to said base and having stops limiting therelative pivoting of the connecting link relative to the drive link soas to be independent of said base, said relative pivoting being limitedto an angle of approximately 2X degrees.
 5. A non-handed actuator forwindow locks of the type in which a lock control member is moved by saidactuator to control the locking of a window sash to a window frame, saidactuator comprising:a base securable to the window frame; a handlesecured to said base for pivoting about a first axis through an angle ofapproximately X degrees, said handle generally extending in a firstradial direction from said first axis; a drive link secured for pivotingwith said handle, said drive link generally extending in a second radialdirection from said first axis, said first and second radial directionsbeing on generally opposite sides of first axis; a connecting linksecurable to the lock control member of a window lock and pivotablerelative to said drink link, said connecting link comprising first andsecond connecting link members, said first connecting link member beingpivotally connected to said drive link and said second connecting linkmember being pivotally connected to said first connecting link member;and stops limiting the relative pivoting of the connecting link relativeto the drive link to an angle of approximately 2X degrees, said stopscomprising tabs on opposite sides of said first connecting link memberlimiting pivoting of the drive link relative to the first connectinglink member and of the first connecting link member relative to thesecond connecting link member, at least one tab abutting the drive linkat each limit of relative pivoting of the drive link to the firstconnecting link member and at least one tab abutting the secondconnecting link member at each limit of relative pivoting of the firstconnecting link member to the second connecting link member.
 6. Theactuator of claim 5, wherein said first connecting link membersubstantially lies in a first plane normal to said first axis and saidsecond connecting link member and drive link each include portions lyingin a second plane substantially parallel to and spaced from said firstplane, and said stops comprise tabs on said first connecting link memberextending from said first plane to said second plane.
 7. The actuator ofclaim 5, wherein the stops limit relative pivoting of the links wherebysaid second connecting link may pivot up to about 360 degrees relativeto the drive link.
 8. The actuator of claim 7, wherein X is between 140and
 180. 9. A non-handed actuator for window locks of the type in whicha lock control member is moved by said actuator to control the lockingof a window sash to a window frame, said actuator comprising:a basesecurable to the window frame; a handle secured to said base forpivoting about a first axis, said handle generally extending in a firstradial direction from said first axis; a drive link secured for pivotingwith said handle, said drive link generally extending in a second radialdirection from said first axis, said first and second radial directionsbeing on generally opposite sides of said first axis; a first connectinglink having a pivot defining a second axis spaced from said first axis,said first connecting link pivot being secured to said drive link forpivoting about said a second axis, said second axis being fixed relativeto and adjacent one end of said first connecting link; a secondconnecting link secured to said first connecting link for pivoting abouta third axis spaced from said second axis, said second connecting linkbeing securable to the lock control member of a window lock; and stopslimiting the pivoting of the drive link relative to the first connectinglink and of the first connecting link relative to the second connectinglink.
 10. The actuator of claim 9, wherein said first connecting linksubstantially lies in a first plane normal to said second and third axesand said second connecting link and drive link each include portionslying in a second plane substantially parallel to and spaced from saidfirst plane, and said stops comprise tabs on said first connecting linkextending from said first plane to said second plane.
 11. The actuatorof claim 9, wherein the stops limit relative pivoting of the linkswhereby said second connecting link may pivot up to about 360 degreesrelative to the drive link.
 12. The actuator of claim 11, wherein thestops limit relative pivoting of the links whereby said secondconnecting link may pivot between opposite limit positions generallyparallel to the drive link.
 13. The actuator of claim 11, wherein thestops limit pivoting of the second connecting link relative to the drivelink to an angle of 2X degrees, where X is between 140 and
 180. 14. Theactuator of claim 13, wherein the handle is pivotable through an angleof approximately X degrees relative to the base.
 15. A non-handedactuator for window locks of the type in which a lock control member ismoved by said actuator to control the locking of a window sash to awindow frame, said actuator comprising:a base securable to the windowframe; a handle secured to said base for pivoting about a first axis,said handle generally extending in a first radial direction from saidfirst axis; a drive link secured for pivoting with said handle, saiddrive link generally extending in a second radial direction from saidfirst axis, said first and second radial directions being on generallyopposite sides of said first axis; a first connecting link secured tosaid drive link for pivoting about a second axis spaced from said firstaxis; a second connecting link secured to said first connecting link forpivoting about a third axis spaced from said second axis, said secondconnecting link being securable to the lock control member of a windowlock; and stops limiting the pivoting of the drive link relative to thefirst connecting link and of the first connecting link relative to thesecond connecting link, wherein said stops comprise tabs on oppositesides of said first connecting link, at least one tab abutting the drivelink at each limit of relative pivoting of the drive link to the firstconnecting link and at least one tab abutting the second connecting linkat each limit of relative pivoting of the first connecting link to thesecond connecting link.
 16. The actuator of claim 15, wherein said drivelink and first and second connecting links extend longitudinally in agenerally radial direction relative to the pivot axes with a transversewidth, one of said stops being longitudinally spaced from the secondaxis generally one half of the drive link transverse width.
 17. Theactuator of claim 15, wherein said drive link and first and secondconnecting links extend longitudinally in a generally radial directionrelative to the pivot axes with a transverse width, and said stops arelongitudinally spaced from the second axis generally one half of thedrive link transverse width and longitudinally spaced from the thirdaxis generally one half of the second connecting link transverse width.18. A non-handed actuator for window locks of the type in which a lockcontrol member is moved linearly by said actuator to control the lockingof a window sash to a window frame, said actuator comprising:a housingsecurable to the window frame with an interior side facing toward thewindow frame; a handle secured to said housing for pivoting about afirst axis, said handle generally extending in a first radial directionfrom said first axis; a generally flat drive link secured for pivotingwith said handle, said drive link generally on the housing interior sideand extending in a second radial direction from said first axis, saidfirst and second radial directions being on generally opposite sides ofsaid first axis; a generally flat first connecting link secured to saiddrive link for pivoting about a second axis spaced from said first axis;a generally flat second connecting link secured to said first connectinglink for pivoting about a third axis spaced from said second axis, saidsecond connecting link being securable to the actuating member of awindow lock; first stop shoulders extending axially from the firstconnecting link and engaging said drive link at a selected limit ofpivoting of said drive link relative to the first connecting link; andsecond stop shoulders extending axially from the first connecting linkand engaging said second connecting link at a selected limit of pivotingof said second connecting link relative to the first connecting link.19. The actuator of claim 18, wherein said first and second stop tabsare unitary shoulders formed from flanges on opposite sides of saidfirst connecting link and bent at generally right angles to the flatfirst connecting link.
 20. The actuator of claim 18, wherein said firstconnecting link substantially lies in a first plane normal to saidsecond and third axes and said second connecting link and drive linkeach include portions lying in a second plane substantially parallel toand spaced from said first plane, and said stop shoulders extend fromsaid first plane to said second plane.
 21. The actuator of claim 18,wherein said drive link and first and second connecting links extendlongitudinally in a generally radial direction relative to the pivotaxes with a transverse width, one of said stop shoulders beinglongitudinally spaced from the second axis generally one half of thedrive link transverse width.
 22. The actuator of claim 18, wherein saiddrive link and first and second connecting links extend longitudinallyin a generally radial direction relative to the pivot axes with atransverse width, and said stop shoulders are longitudinally spaced fromthe second axis generally one half of the drive link transverse widthand longitudinally spaced from the third axis generally one half of thesecond connecting link transverse width.